Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Middle School with Subject-Matter Specialization: American Sign Language in Grades 5 - 8
Endorsement Code: 1105
Note: Requirements, passing test scores, and fees are subject to change without notice. All credits must appear on an accredited two- or four-year college or university transcript.
This endorsement entitles the holder to teach American Sign Language in grades five through eight in all public schools. This endorsement does not permit the holder to teach the subject matter specialization in grades 9 through 12.
Licensure Requirement
Hold an elementary school or N–12 subject-matter endorsement.
Subject Matter Preparation
Credit Requirements
A minimum of 15 credits in the subject field of American Sign Language.
Coursework Examples
- Advanced American Sign Language
- American Sign Language
- American Sign Language Syntax and Grammar
- Deaf culture
- Fingerspelling
- Interpreting American Sign Language
The final determination as to which courses will be counted towards the subject matter is based on content standards found in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Courses in pedagogy or education are not acceptable.
Coursework Requirement
In addition to the above subject-matter preparation requirements, Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) and standard certificate candidates will need the following courses:
- A minimum of three semester-hour credits in second language acquisition theory and related methodologies
- Child and early adolescent development
Certificate of Eligibility (CE) candidates must complete the above courses within 12 months of initial teaching assignment.
Proficiency Requirement
Demonstrate linguistic competency in American Sign Language through one of the following approved certifications or assessments:
- American Sign Language Teachers Association – Eligible ASLTA certificates include Provisional, Qualified, or Professional levels.
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf – Eligible RID certificates include Certificate of Interpretation (CI), CI/CT (Certificate of Interpretation/Transliteration), National Interpreter Certification (NIC), or Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI).
- Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) – minimum score of 4 on the performance assessment.
- Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI formerly known as Sign Communication Proficiency Interview) – minimum score of ‘advanced’. Information may be obtained from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf or the National SLPI: ASL Services at North Carolina American Sign Language Teacher’s Association.
- American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) - minimum score of 4. Information may be obtained from Gallaudet University.